The Bernina Connection

Just bought a new Bernina sewing maching at The Bernina Connection. What a great experience! The entire staff was helpful and incredibly friendly. They said hello to customers by their first names. :) They took a lot of time to talk with me about the sewing machine and go over some initial basics. They offer great support to help get people up and running with several introductory classes. I am really happy to have found this great shop! They also have a fantastic selection of unique and beautiful fabric. Can’t wait to go back! Thank you for such a great experience!

I have The Bernina Connection to thank for renewing my interest in sewing (which truthfully has become somewhat of an obsession). I sewed quite a bit as a teenager, then quit when I went to college and didn’t give it a second thought for nearly 30 years. After moving to Arcadia 3 years ago, I started driving by the store every day. I had no idea what a «Bernina» was, but the sign advertising sewing classes caught my eye. Finally this spring I bought a modestly priced machine (not a Bernina – one day!) and signed up for BC’s Sew Fundamental class. I literally took my new sewing machine out of the box, put it in my car, and drove to class along with the supplies I had been instructed to purchase. Cecile Morrow and Mary Furniss could not have been more patient with a basically novice sewist, and I learned a variety of basic machine– and hand-​sewing techniques.
After taking up garment sewing and getting AWFULLY tired of a zig-​zag stitch to finish seam allowances, I bought a modestly priced serger and signed up for Serger Academy with Mary Lewkowitz. This is another fantastic class. This time I practiced threading my new serger before class started, which was a good move. If you have no idea how to thread a serger, Mary will patiently help you, but I think I got more out of the class having already learned that part (it’s really not that hard – it just takes patience – and tweezers!).
Beyond the worthwhile classes, the store itself is a delight, and I don’t even quilt! I can just imagine how quilters must feel. There are bolts and bolts of beautiful cotton fabric. Their batik selection in particular is admirable. They are thin on fabric selections for garments, but what they do have is definitely worth checking out. They have top quality Mettler thread (both silk finish cotton and Seracor) which is extremely helpful as I can’t get it at the local big box store. They have tons of patterns and books for various projects. Best of all, their employees are friendly and helpful without being intrusive. Sometimes you just want to walk around and bask in all of the colorful, patterned goodness, and they’re happy to let you!
Thank you Bernina Connection – maybe one of these days I’ll even sew a quilt!

I was recently given a Bernina embroidery machine. While using it, an error message popped up. I called the store and they tried to help me over the phone. We couldn’t figure it out over the phone so I took it into the store. When I walked in, they greeted me immediately. Their main tech guy came out and took a look. He helped me figure out the problem and wouldn’t let me leave until he was sure it was working. I was there an hour and a half. When it was fixed, he said no charge! I couldn’t believe it. The ladies working the floor and register were incredibly friendly! I had never been to this store but I will definitely be back! I am also bringing my more people with me! They will definitely be getting more of my business.
*the above was from a few months ago but didn’t post due to a user error. I have since been back and fell in love even more. This time I had my two daughters (ages 4 and 1) with me. I hate to say it by many quilt store employees can be rather grumpy and don’t have patience for children. The employees here were so welcoming! We walked in and they lead us to a basket of toys just for kids. Every one of them came to talk to the girls or play with them for a minute. Not what I was expecting. I just love this place!

I took my old, fully metal, very reliable Viking machine in for one small repair, and it’s not run well since. It seems they used a substandard lubricant which gums up unless the machine is in a hot room! The charge was exorbitant as well. I will be looking for another repair company. Sally’s in Mesa had a wonderful woman named Kay who did the best repairs and whose charges were very reasonable. Sigh~

It’s their Anniversary again, and I just had a blast checking out all the sale fabric, looking at all the great bargains to be had! This only happens once a year so don’t miss it. Today and tomorrow are the days of the sale. I just love coming here and how welcoming the staff is with a community like atmosphere. I stopped by to see how my grandniece was doing in her Kids Create Class. She has so much fun sewing with peers! Don’t forget to stop by tomorrow. Happy shopping!

My wife (the quilter) and I found this place busy on a Monday about closing time.
Great selection of fabric with good samples to the point the space was a little crowded.
Lots of notions and patterns with precuts available including ½ yard cuts.
Prices on the high side.
Staff helpful.
As the husband I did not see a place for husbands to sit and no restroom in site.

Three weeks later and my machine has tension problems like never before. Guess where I won’t be going to get it fixed?

Very helpful, knowledgable and repairs reasonably priced.

I have been using Bernina Connection for years to have Bernina sewing machines serviced. They do an excellent job for a reasonable price and they give a discount for bringing 2 machines in at the same time. Everybody here is very friendly and helpful. They warranty their work and I have never had any problems with the machines I have taken there for service.

Stopped in here for the first time this week looking for a particular quilting notion. They didn’t have it but were very helpful offering to order it or call other shops to find it for me. Nice selection of fabrics and books & project ideas. I will return another day!

Went here for the first time this week and was completely charmed! I took a basic class on how to make a skirt, it cost me $ 25, but it was very useful. I was actually the only person in the class so I got one-​on-​one instruction. I could see there is a big sense of community here, everyone seemed to know each other and they were all so friendly!
They also have a cool selection of fabric, like prints I would actually wear (this is not always true at Joann… who wants a piece of clothing with hot dogs printed on it? Ok, maybe some people…). It is a bit more expensive so I will probably continue buying basics elsewhere but get really cool fabric here!
They have a great list of classes, I will definitely be attending more of them!

I stopped in this store today to check out the latest Amy Butler fabrics. I left feeling inspired and excited about sewing. They offer classes for an affordable price. They had an awesome selection of fabric and the staff was quite helpful. I know I’ll be back and hope to take their beginner’s sewing class this summer when I have more free time.

The ran through things so quickly I could barely understand them. When I got home I had no idea how to use my machine. When I signed up for a class, they made me drive all the way in to sign up rather then on the phone. Get with the times people. Technology is advancing.

I heard very good things about this place from a few people. After my horrific experience at another sewing machine place. I was ready to give up, but decided to take it to one more place.
When I took my machine there I was already impressed by their computer system and the way they label each part to make sure it belongs to the right owner. The other place I took my machine for 2 years, never had me in their system and never remembered the countless times I spent money in their store.
I was really surprised that in 2 days a service tech had looked at my machine for a diagnosis, the other store didn’t even get to looking at my machine until 2 and half weeks later to tell me something was even wrong with my machine.
Unfortunately, my sewing machine is a Viking and it need some new parts that can only be sold and distributed by Viking dealers. But the service tech did tune up, adjust the tension, and let me know exactly what needed to be replaced in terms I can understand and not part numbers and techie vocabulary like the other store.
The tech even got it to sew better, although I am still waiting for things to get replaced, at least they were able to give back my machine after 3 days in a working condition that I can still sew light weighted gowns and use my industrial Juki for the rest.
Overall, their customer service is excellent and their staff knowledgeable and friendly.
I may be switching my brand loyalty from Viking to Bernina very soon. That and when I worked at Hancock Fabrics when I was 16, my boss ranted and raved about her Bernina.

I have learned a lot a made big strides since I have taken classes there. I find the Staff are really helpful and give expert advice on making projects and taking care of sewing machines. Also, they have a machine tech who does repairs and maintenance on my different
Machines. Now I have fun sewing and I love the new fabrics!

Knowledgable. Friendly. Well organized (amazing amount of merchandise in a relatively small space). Generously sized classroom where there always seems to be something going on. There is definitely a sense of «community» about this place from both the staff and the customers within.
Most of my business with them has been with their repair shop, I have taken several vintage machines there of various brands and they have enthusiastically welcomed the challenge of servicing them, replacing missing parts and getting the old work horses running smoothly. I can’t say enough about the quality of their repair services!
Interesting novelty quilting fabrics for those who are looking for something special.

I hate this place because Gus my sweetie pie spends a ton of money here. But he always gets good extremely friendly service and the best products along with instruction and occasional repairs on his machines.

Well, I completely agree with Tina! I went to the Bernina Connection for the first time and was thrilled. I stumbled on their website and found out that they were open late tonight (Tuesdays only). They have a wonderful selection of fabrics, notions, and some books. I was given a newsletter and told I’d be getting emails about sales and classes coming up. Great customer service — I’m glad to have such a great independent business nearby.

okay so i’m totally biased, but i love this store. what really makes it so great? the ladies that work there. :) they are just so pleasant… and you know i’ve spent too much time there because they all know me by name. it’s horrible! i use to frequent the store so often on tuesday evenings that they almost expected to see me!
my mom purchased my bernina machine from here back in 2005 as a wedding present and i’ve been going back for supplies and fabric ever since. it’s a small store, but their selection of fabrics is really good. they always have new stuff in and they are all so helpful and friendly. i’ve taken a handful of classes too and i’ve had so much fun. the store just carries high quality items and the staff is very knowledgeable of the products.